Meter/Main Disconnect Remote From Drop Questions

[PCustoms]

Here's 3 closeup shots of the fittings...I don't like it

Something I learned after I did mine, face the weather head the opposite direction, so when the drop loop curls down/up its smoother.

Other then I guess he could have trimmed a bit, looks like every other install I've seen in ME or VT.

 

[Mr onetwo]

Are those split bolts or something else?

 

[PCustoms]

Are those split bolts or something else?

I'll let the other guys confirm the official name, but no, that does not appear to be a split bolt

I believe that is the same connection on my line down a few years ago in VT. They used an impact, then snapped the plastic cover over it And gave it a few wraps of tape

 

[Bert_]

Alliant uses those dumb things around here too. No idea what their reasoning is. Cost 5x as much as a crimp and less reliable.

 

[PCustoms]

Alliant uses those dumb things around here too. No idea what their reasoning is. Cost 5x as much as a crimp and less reliable.

Got to be some reason

 

[mike93lx]

Got to be some reason

Cheaper tools?

 

[Mr onetwo]

 

[Mr onetwo]

This is just a noob question but, why was I required to use 2/0 aluminum when CMP's wire is obviously a lot smaller?

 

[PCustoms]

This is just a noob question but, why was I required to use 2/0 aluminum when CMP's wire is obviously a lot smaller?

PoCo doesn't subscribe to NEC (you had to) and wires in free air can carry more current then wires on/in a building.

 

[PCustoms]

Cheaper tools?

You're a numbers guy, right?

Seems the more expensive tool cost quickly gets recovered if the widget used on the cheaper tool costs more (x3 per install)

 

[mike93lx]

You're a numbers guy, right?

Seems the more expensive tool cost quickly gets recovered if the widget used on the cheaper tool costs more (x3 per install)

Expensive tools are lost and stolen

 

[Mr onetwo]

PoCo doesn't subscribe to NEC (you had to) and wires in free air can carry more current then wires on/in a building.

Thanks...I am trying to learn as much as possible thru this whole process

 

[mm08822]

PoCo doesn't subscribe to NEC (you had to) and wires in free air can carry more current then wires on/in a building.

And they have reams of data that shows most services don't come close to drawing the installed capacity. Possibly the load calc could sway things but i doubt that info makes it to the lineman.

 

[Bert_]

This is just a noob question but, why was I required to use 2/0 aluminum when CMP's wire is obviously a lot smaller?

Even the NEC allows higher ampacity for wires in open air. Better heat dissipation. The utility company uses different rules than the NEC anyway.

 

[Bert_]

Cheaper tools?

I bought a husky battery crimp tool a few years ago. I think it was around $3500

 

[dscheidt]

And they have reams of data that shows most services don't come close to drawing the installed capacity. Possibly the load calc could sway things but i doubt that info makes it to the lineman.

When i bought my house, we upgraded from a 100A service to 200A. We've got 4/0 aluminum from the meter to the weatherhead, where it connects to 6AWG triplex. I asked about it when they hooked it back up, and the poco guy said they do the calculation by square footage, and since the house isn't changing size, the wire doesn't need to. I don't know know if telling them what the load is goign to be would hange that, or not. They do use bigger wire on new install and repairs, though.

 

[dave*99]

Here is a Burndy insulation piercing connector that looks similar.
It has shear bolts.

BURNDY BIPC3501/0SC​

 

[Codyboy]

Ok, why would an electrician use split bolts on a service instead of a crimp?

Split bolts are usually what you see an owner do on their own stuff, because they don't have the tool for a crimp.

Idk.
Most likely they don't carry every size crimp connector that would be needed and just use split bolts.

PoCo here uses crimp connectors and they use a battery powered hydraulic crimper... doubt those ever fail

Yes we use compression type connectors.
It wasn't until not long ago we battery type crimpers and used wood or fiberglass handle squeeze guns.
Battery operated were a godsend tool.

 

[dscheidt]

Got to be some reason

Utilities like the burndy style constant sheer connectors for a bunch of reasons. Most of them can deal with a range of sizes, so fewer parts to carry, doesn't need a special tool. They're supposed to be more reliable, and easier to verify that they're done correctly. if the tightening bolts break off, they're tight enough, crimps need to be tested with a gauge that's specific to the particular crimp in use. If you use the wrong die, the crimp can look good, but not be right, and it works loose after a bunch of heat cycles.